Canoeing, kayaking and floating

Manistee River Trail along the embanked shoreline

The greater Cadillac area is blessed with truly beautiful canoeing and kayaking rivers, and several area lakes. Within twenty minutes of Cadillac are two designated National Wild & Scenic Rivers, the Pine and Manistee, the consensus crown jewels of Michigan’s paddlesport rivers.

Canoeists, kayakers, and rafters come from across the nation to experience their raw beauty, forested river-scapes, and crystal clear waters. Numerous access sites and riverside campgrounds make it possible to paddle for just a few hours, all day, or for several days. Visitors can choose to paddle a calm stretch of river, a more spirited stretch of river, or a little of both.

The Manistee River is generally wider and has fewer gradients. It is considered the finest multi-day canoe camping river in the Midwest. The Pine River is generally a more spirited stream, with the lower end of the river offering the best whitewater in Lower Michigan. Both rivers, like few others, can serve up affordable and memorable outings for the fortunate folks that choose to explore them.

Several conveniently located liveries make it very easy for visitors to experience the pure paddling pleasure that awaits you here in the Cadillac area.